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Google Earth Used By Terrorists

Google hasn't been shy about announcing its mission to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible.

But accessible to whom?

This is the question that many are asking after it was recently discovered that terrorists used Google Earth to pinpoint the location of British soldiers. (Source: hardocp.com)

British Intelligence discovered images taken from Google Earth after a series of raids on insurgent safe houses in Iraq. Officers describe the images as having "significant detail" of British camps in Iraq. (Source: canadafreepress.com)

"This is evidence as far as we are concerned for planning terrorist attacks," said an intelligence officer. "Who would otherwise have Google Earth imagery of one of our bases? We are concerned that they use them to plan attacks. We have never had proof that they have deliberately targeted any area of the camp using these images but presumably they are of great use to them." The intelligence officers also note that it is incredibly easy to obtain detailed images on Google Earth. (Source: networkworld.com)

British Intelligence began probing terrorist suspects in the UK and has already found one suspect to be in possession of images of various infrastructures such as power stations and nuclear plants. (Source: canadafreepress.com)

Google released a statement admitting that Google Earth can be used for "good and bad." They also said "we have opened channels with the military in Iraq but we are not prepared to discuss what we have discussed with them. But we do listen and we are sensitive to requests." (Source: networkworld.com)

British Intelligence Chiefs are considering requesting that sensitive areas be blocked out from Google Earth. Then again, others feel that it may be too little to late. One solider said "even if they did blank out the areas where we are based it is a bit after the horse has bolted as the terrorist now have the maps and know exactly where we eat, sleep and go to the toilet." (Source: bit-tech.net)